Animal science career discussion guide

Use this guide at any point in exploring the agricultural education career pathway. We recommend that students complete the Student Interest Survey on GrowNextGen to enhance classroom discussion.

Discussion questions

1. Professionals in this field are interested in the care of animals and improving their quality of life. What interests and skills do you have that fit a career in animal science?

2. There are many ways to get involved in animal science, even before you graduate. You could join a school club, contact one of the GrowNextGen Industry Leaders, or help coordinate a field trip. Brainstorm several “next steps,” including courses you might take at your high school or career technical center.

3. Science and Math are essential in animal science. Make one connection between math or science you have learned, and animal science. For example, you may have completed an experiment about dissolved oxygen in water. This knowledge could help you in aquaculture where the amount of dissolved oxygen affects the health of farm-raised fish populations.

Problem solving
Each career path contains unique problems to solve. Below are a sampling of real-world challenges that animal scientists may encounter.

1. Increases in avian flu have caused losses in the number of domestic poultry, resulting in high egg and poultry prices. What methods can farmers use to protect their flocks against avian flu? Can poultry be genetically bred for resistance against avian flu?

2. What methods can dairy farmers use to keep their cows in optimal health while maximizing the amount of milk each one produces?

3. Aquaculture is among the fastest growing sectors in agriculture. A soy-based diet is a cost-effective, healthy option for farm-raised fish. What might be an optimum soy diet, including added vitamins and minerals, for farm-raised salmon?